Alumni Newsletter

July 2014

Leader of the Wildlife Pack Leaves a Legacy

Jerry and Helen Stephens establish first endowed professorship at
UW-Stevens Point to honor their son.

When Doug Stephens ('91 BS Wildlife Management) headed off to college, his parents, Jerry and Helen, knew he chose the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point after thoughtful deliberation. That was Doug's way. At Point he could pursue his passion for nature out of doors among the creatures that called Stevens Point home.

His parents watched him become involved in Pointer life, with its challenging teachers, like-minded friends, spirited debates, a little fun but most important, hands-on research. They did have some hesitation when Doug volunteered to trap and tag black bear cubs, but he had a knack and the bears seemed to know it.

Sadly, the Stephenses said good-bye to their son too soon, but they are making sure his commitment to wildlife education, research and management live on by establishing the university's first ever endowed professorship honoring research and management.

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Rings of Distinction

A Pointer's path of success started with his class ring

Among Dan Hauser's keepsakes is a collection of eight rings. Seven are professional sports championship rings — three from the National Basketball Association's Detroit Pistons, three from the Women's National Basketball Association’s Detroit Shock and one from the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lighting. Hauser earned the title-winning bling during his 33-plus years working for the Pistons under the auspices of the team's parent company, Palace Sports & Entertainment.

"I have one more ring I keep with the others," said Hauser. "It's right up there as far as what it means to me. It's my ring from Point."

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Polka, pizza and preparation for life

Point experience a time of "firsts" for distinguished educator

She learned to polka, and was shocked the first time she was able to sit down and be served in a Stevens Point restaurant. When she and her friends pooled their pennies, she had her first taste of pizza. She hated it. The first day of classes for this freshman from Beloit, Wisconsin, was not only her first time on the Stevens Point campus, but also her first time away from home. She made lifelong friends with whom she shared her first apartment.

Four years later, in 1960, Barbara Hickman was the school's first black female graduate. "Good things happened to me there," she said.

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